Which software for which radios?

[samsat]

I am trying to help out a local school with their radio needs.
They currently have a number of CP200D radios but they only use them on UHF simplex analog mode.
They want to buy more radios that are more compact to carry.
I want to suggest the Motorola VX261.
Right now they do not have any programming software.
They could buy the VX261 from a dealer who will do the programming for them or it may now make sense to buy their own programming software.

Does one need the full blown CPS to just program these analog radios?
I see that there is software from Vertex that is much cheaper that will work for the VX261 but I guess will not work for the CP200Ds?

Of course they could also look at the Kenwood TK3360 which I understand has free programming software.

Any input appreciated.

 

[mmckenna]

Motorola CP-200d is DMR capable. Make sure they are really just running analog before buying anything.
Also, confirm that they have a license for the frequency they are using. Probably do, but you'd be surprised how many schools make this mistake.

As for the Kenwood, the KPG-128DNK is -NOT- free. There are some low tier Kenwood radios that have free software, but it's limited in what you can do.

For the Motorola's, you will need programming software.

If they are using one of the UHF itinerant channels, there are some inexpensive solutions that won't require programming software, specifically some of the Kenwood "ProTalk" radios which are pre-programmed and can have minor changes done via keypresses.
I'd make sure you find out what their licensed for, first.

As for dealer programming, if the school is planning on buying a lot of radios and making periodic changes, it may be a good investment to own the software/cable. However, if there isn't any one on staff that can reliably do that sort of work, it's probably much better and safer to let the shops do it.

 

[samsat]

I have checked the radios. They are only using 2 analog channels. They are licensed.
The only programming that will be required are the frequencies and the DCS tones to be same as the existing radios, as well as the defaults for the auxiliary functions. Probably makes sense to have the dealer take care of this.
Thanks for the reply.

 

[rapidcharger]

They could buy the VX261 from a dealer who will do the programming for them or it may now make sense to buy their own programming software.

Why would it make sense for them to buy their own programming software, cable and learn how to use it? These aren't hobbyists that would do a lot of reprogramming. They'd do it once then never do it again. There a lot of dealers that wouldn't charge to program a couple frequencies in radios that they sell. Your solution is to buy radios from a dealer that knows what they're doing and won't nickel and dime you over the programming.

 

[mmckenna]

Yeah, programming should be free as part of the purchase. If the dealer wants to charge for it, find another dealer. Especially for 2 analog frequencies. That would take a tech a few minutes to build the file and load it into a radio.

For low tier analog radios like that, don't go shopping the brand name. Brand name isn't going to matter. Don't buy Chinese junk radios, but for a school, some low end Icom, Kenwood, Motorola, Ritron, etc. would be sufficient.

 

[cmdrwill]

VX261 one of my favorite radios.